Australia was Jonathan and I’s last *ehem* continent and I must say that this country takes you back to the wilderness and makes you one with nature. It offers panoramic and jaw-dropping views that are just wonderful from every angle. It has a vast wildlife, stunning sunrises and sunsets.. And the night sky is just mesmerizing with the light from a thousand stars!

With your Philippines Passport and an Australian Tourist Visa, you can explore The Land Down Under including The Great Barrier Reef! So get your documents ready! :)

WHEN AND WHERE TO APPLY FOR AUSTRALIAN VISITOR VISA

Visitor Visa applications (subclass 600) for Australia can be made personally through VFS Global at Mezzanine Floor Unit M01, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension Makati City, Metro Manila 1231, or online by creating a ImmiAccount which I personally prefer. The processing time is 48 hour to one month depending on several factors. I suggest you get your visa at least 6 weeks before your intended flight.

PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR AUSTRALIAN VISITOR VISA

Whether you course your application personally or online, the same set of documents will be asked of you. I personally prefer doing it online as it is way easier and more convenient than having to go to VFS Global. For purposes of this post, I’ll discuss on how you can do it within the comforts of your own home. The following documents must be scanned:

1) Info page of your passport together with all stamps and visas. Include the info page and stamps on your old passport too;

STEP 5: Pay the necessary fees (the base pay for a visit visa is AUD 140)

STEP 6: Download the health assessment endorsement. In the summary of your application, click on the health assessment button to generate a HAP ID and download your referral letter for a health exam. Hold on to this document until Immigration contacts you via e-mail instructing you to proceed with the medical. (Applies only to those staying in Oz for more than 90 days)

STEP 7: Once you receive this confirmation, print out your referral letter and go to an accredited medical institution. (Applies only to those staying in Oz for more than 90 days)

STEP 8: Wait for the results via email and print your visa if you get approved!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN VISITOR VISA

1) Why do I need to have a medical exam?

Most applicants for visas to Australia need to meet Australia's health requirement in order to be granted a visa and they are really strict about it. If you’re staying in Australia for more than 90 days, you are required to complete immigration health examinations in order to show that you meet Australia's health requirement.

For me, it doesn’t make any difference if you avail of their services. I got ALL my visas without their assistance. I did it all by myself! Aside from being very expensive, it doesn’t guarantee the approval. What matters is that you have all the documents you submitted.

Final tip: Don’t get tired of going over your documents. You have only one chance to submit your application so once you click that button, there is no turning back. Make sure that everything is complete and soon you’ll be out there exploring The Land Down Under, meet new mates, have a barbie, and see a roo! :)

Please do note that the Visa Application Tips that I am posting are true as of the time of writing and are all for free. But if you need a little more assistance, I can give you a one-on-one travel coaching for a minimal fee-- it’s a lot cheaper than getting it through a travel agency. Together, we can go through your documents, fill in what’s missing, practice for the interview, and work together for you to get that visa!